Marketing Best Practices
for Farmers & Farmers’ Markets
What is in it for You?
Best Practices
How do customers select their farmers?
Best Practices
Why some vendors do better?
Best PracticesWhat is Market management role?
What is market management’s role?
Best Practices
How do customers select farmers?
Presentation
Communication/Interaction
Sampling
Catchy, well placed signage
Formulate a unique identity
- distinct from your neighbor
Creating Catchy Signage
Develop market goals –3 years
Determine your message
What each customer needs to know about
you AND your products
Catchy Signage
Why do some vendors do better than their equals?
Presentation
Clearly displayed prices
Clearly displayed prices
Inviting Set up – toward people, not an
enclave of you
Communication1. Actively engaging
people
Communication
2. Our products are an extension of who we are
1. Actively engaging people
Communication
2. Our products are an extension of who we are
1. Actively engaging people
Communication
3. Give people an opportunity to connect
2. Our products are an extension of who we are
1. Actively engaging people
Communication
3. Give people an opportunity to connect
2. Our products are an extension of who we are
4. Think of new ways to eat veggies, fruits
recipes; suggestions
1. Actively engaging people
Educate•Each time you interact
Educate•Each time you interact • About your approach
Educate•Each time you interact • About your approach
•Your philosophy on growing
Educate• Each time you interact • About your approach
• Your philosophy on growing
• Share photos of your farm, animals, pasture, trees on a photo board; keep fresh looking
Retail Front• Decide your layout & product
presentation
•Clearly printed and large banners
• Farm name & logo displayed
• Clean, Maintained Canopies
•A-Frame signs for front of canopy
What Role Does Social Media Play?
•Post updates of farm / art status and progress pictures
•Announce products coming to market and at market; post pictures
•Consider a video tour
Ask for the SALE!
What role does Market management play?
Catchy, well placed signage
Create a celebratory atmosphere
Inviting Set up – outward to people, sharing
information
Accept WIC dollars & SNAP
Social Media Plays a Role
Social MediaFollow us:•on Facebook @Milk Lady Farmers
Markets
•website milkladymarkets.org
•Twitter @Milk Lady markets
Kids Activities
Music & Demos at the Market
Young Entrepreneurs Program
CJ’s Organic Lemonade
Henry’s Wreaths